1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is a prestigious program designed to support high-potential, innovative startups and SMEs in Europe. It focuses particularly on DeepTech companies that develop advanced technologies with the potential to transform industries. The program is part of the larger Horizon Europe initiative and aims to boost Europe's innovation capacity, competitiveness, and economic growth.
Funding Structure: Grant and Equity
Grant Component:
- Amount: Up to €2.5 million.
- Purpose: This non-dilutive funding is intended to cover innovation activities such as prototyping, testing, and development. It helps companies bridge the gap between research and market entry.
Equity Component:
- Amount: Up to €15 million until 2024, and up to €10 million starting from 2025.
- Purpose: The equity investment is aimed at scaling up businesses, allowing them to grow and reach new markets. This funding is instrumental in supporting capital-intensive activities and securing the necessary resources for large-scale production and distribution.
Purpose and Impact on European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:
- Fostering Innovation: Encouraging the development of groundbreaking technologies that address societal challenges.
- Reducing Risk: Providing financial support that mitigates the risks associated with early-stage innovations.
- Promoting Growth: Enabling startups to scale rapidly and effectively, ensuring they can compete on a global stage.
- Stimulating Investment: Attracting private investment by validating business models and providing a mark of credibility.
Role in Scaling and Private Sector Funding
The EIC Accelerator not only provides direct funding but also acts as a catalyst for attracting private investment. By offering a combination of grant and equity financing, it helps companies become more attractive to private investors. The program's rigorous selection process ensures that only the most promising startups receive support, which in turn boosts investor confidence. Additionally, the EIC's backing provides companies with access to a network of experts, mentors, and industry leaders.
VCG.AI GmbH and Project VCG
Company Overview:
- Name: VCG.AI GmbH
- Country: Germany
- Website: vcg.ai
- EIC Accelerator Submission Date: March 13, 2024
Project VCG:
- Acronym: VCG
- Description: The Value Chain Generator (VCG) project aims to accelerate Europe's transition to a circular economy. By optimizing value chains, VCG.AI GmbH seeks to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability across industries.
Technology Basics and Background
The Value Chain Generator (VCG) leverages advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics to reimagine traditional value chains. The technology focuses on:
- Resource Optimization: Identifying inefficiencies in current value chains and proposing solutions to minimize waste and maximize resource use.
- Circular Economy Integration: Facilitating the shift from linear to circular economic models by enabling businesses to reuse, recycle, and repurpose materials.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Offering adaptable solutions that can be tailored to various industries and scales of operation.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing big data to provide actionable insights and drive strategic decisions that support sustainable practices.
VCG.AI GmbH’s innovative approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances economic resilience by reducing dependency on finite resources and promoting a regenerative economic model.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in accelerating innovation, fostering the growth of DeepTech companies, and supporting the transition to more sustainable economic practices, with companies like VCG.AI GmbH leading the charge in reshaping industries through technology.
2 The Funding Rounds
As of April 15, 2025, VCG.AI GmbH, a German AI circular economy deep-tech company, has not publicly announced any new funding rounds since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. The most recent funding event was the €2.5 million grant awarded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, announced on July 16, 2024. (vcg.ai)According to PitchBook, VCG.AI has participated in several accelerator and incubator programs, including SoTecIn Factory, Start-up BW, and Ventures Thrive. However, specific details regarding the timing, amounts, and investors involved in these programs are not publicly disclosed. (pitchbook.com)
Additionally, there is no publicly available information regarding the company's valuation during these funding events.
In summary, since the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, there have been no publicly disclosed funding rounds, investor information, or company valuations for VCG.AI GmbH.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, VCG.AI GmbH has published several press releases detailing their achievements and initiatives:- bioCircular Loop Podcast (November 21, 2024): CEO Jon Goriup discussed the company's initiatives and the role of AI in promoting circularity. (vcg.ai)
- Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast (December 4, 2024): The episode titled "AI-Driven Circularity: Turning Industrial Byproducts into Revenue Streams" featured insights from VCG.AI. (vcg.ai)
- Circular Coffee Break Podcast (March 6, 2025): Director of Business Development Dominik Patzelt discussed AI's role in circular value chains. (vcg.ai)
These press releases, available on VCG.AI's official website, highlight the company's active role in advancing circular economy solutions through technology, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
4 The Technology Advancements
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, VCG.AI GmbH has made notable strides in advancing their technology and expanding their market presence.Technology Advancements and Scaling:
VCG.AI's platform, Value Chain Generator®, utilizes AI to create data-driven, localized circular value chains, optimizing the reuse of industrial by-products and waste. This approach aims to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing economic value. The €2.5 million grant from the EIC Accelerator has been instrumental in scaling this solution, enabling the company to extend the lifecycle of materials more effectively. (vcg.ai)
Market Demonstrations and Collaborations:
In August 2024, VCG.AI was awarded a tender to develop advanced circular economy solutions for eight cities as part of the EU Horizon-funded CircularPSP project. This initiative, with a €5.64 million investment, aims to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy across these municipalities, showcasing VCG.AI's technology in real-world applications. (vcg.ai)
Recognition and Media Coverage:
The company's innovative approach has garnered significant recognition. In November 2024, VCG.AI won the CyberOne Hightech Award in the Digital Tech category, presented by the Baden-Württemberg business community. Additionally, their work was featured in the Stuttgarter Zeitung in September 2024, highlighting their efforts to revolutionize the handling of organic materials through AI and big data. (vcg.ai)
Publications and Intellectual Property:
As of now, there is no publicly available information indicating that VCG.AI has filed new patents, published scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.
In summary, VCG.AI GmbH has effectively utilized the EIC Accelerator funding to scale their Value Chain Generator® technology, engage in significant market demonstrations, and receive industry recognition. While specific details on new patents or publications are not available, their active participation in projects like CircularPSP and accolades such as the CyberOne Hightech Award underscore their progress in advancing AI-driven solutions for the circular economy.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, VCG.AI GmbH has established several significant partnerships and customer relationships that have enhanced its market position and technological capabilities.New Partnerships:
- Nature and Purpose: VCG.AI was selected for Phase 2 of the SoTecIn Factory funding and support program. This collaboration focuses on developing tools to upcycle geographically distributed food surplus, aligning with VCG.AI's mission to advance the bio-based circular economy. (sotecinfactory.eu)
- Market Positioning: Participation in this program enhances VCG.AI's credibility and visibility within the European sustainability and innovation ecosystem.
- Technological Advancements and Scaling: The partnership provides access to resources and networks that support the development and scaling of VCG.AI's AI platform for circular value chains.
- Nature and Purpose: VCG.AI is involved in the EU Horizon-funded CircularPSP project, which invests €5.64 million into R&D to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy across eight cities. (vcg.ai)
- Market Positioning: This involvement positions VCG.AI as a key player in urban circular economy initiatives, expanding its influence and potential customer base.
- Technological Advancements and Scaling: The project offers opportunities to test and refine VCG.AI's solutions in diverse urban settings, facilitating technological improvements and scalability.
New Customers:
While specific customer names are not publicly disclosed, VCG.AI has reported collaborations with:
- Nature and Purpose: VCG.AI worked with a major brewery to transform net costs of over €200,000 per year into a profit exceeding €1 million by optimizing the use of industrial byproducts. (ec.europa.eu)
- Market Positioning: This success story demonstrates VCG.AI's ability to deliver substantial financial and environmental benefits, enhancing its reputation and attractiveness to similar industries.
- Technological Advancements and Scaling: The project serves as a case study for applying VCG.AI's AI platform in the beverage industry, providing insights for further technological refinement and scaling.
- Nature and Purpose: VCG.AI is optimizing the entire supply chain of a leading Portuguese food retailer, encompassing hundreds of production units with diverse processes and waste streams. (ec.europa.eu)
- Market Positioning: This engagement showcases VCG.AI's capability to handle complex supply chains, positioning it as a valuable partner for large-scale retailers.
- Technological Advancements and Scaling: The collaboration provides a platform to enhance VCG.AI's solutions for large-scale, multifaceted supply chains, supporting technological advancement and scalability.
These partnerships and customer engagements have significantly bolstered VCG.AI's market presence, technological development, and scalability, reinforcing its role in advancing the circular economy through AI-driven solutions.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
As of April 15, 2025, specific details regarding VCG.AI GmbH's team growth, current headcount, recent hires, and management changes since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, are not publicly available. The company's official communications and available public records do not disclose this information.However, VCG.AI has achieved notable milestones during this period. On July 16, 2024, the company announced it had been selected as one of the top 68 deep-tech companies in Europe by the European Innovation Council (EIC), receiving a €2.5 million grant from the EIC Accelerator 2024 program. This funding is intended to support the scaling of their AI-driven circular economy solutions. (vcg.ai)
Additionally, on November 20, 2024, VCG.AI was awarded the CyberOne Hightech Award in the Digital Tech category, recognizing their innovative contributions to the field. (vcg.ai)
While these achievements suggest organizational growth and development, specific information about team expansion, current hiring status, and management changes remains undisclosed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult VCG.AI's official website or contact the company directly.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, VCG.AI GmbH has been featured in several media outlets, participated in various events, and engaged in multiple interviews and podcasts. Below is a comprehensive list of their activities:Media Features:
- Stuttgarter Zeitung: On September 3, 2024, VCG.AI was featured in an article titled "The battle we all have to win," highlighting how the Stuttgart-based startup is revolutionizing the handling of organic materials using AI and big data. (vcg.ai)
- Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) Trend Report 2024 – 2025: Published on March 27, 2025, this report includes an expert interview with VCG.AI's CEO, Jon Goriup, discussing the company's contributions to the circular economy. (vcg.ai)
Publications Naming VCG.AI GmbH:
- Stuttgarter Zeitung: As mentioned above, the publication featured VCG.AI in an article on September 3, 2024. (vcg.ai)
- Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) Trend Report 2024 – 2025: The report published on March 27, 2025, includes insights from VCG.AI's CEO. (vcg.ai)
Content from Publications:
- Stuttgarter Zeitung: The article discusses VCG.AI's innovative approach to managing organic materials through AI and big data, emphasizing the company's role in advancing the circular economy. (vcg.ai)
- BIC Trend Report 2024 – 2025: The report features an interview with CEO Jon Goriup, where he elaborates on VCG.AI's mission and impact in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. (vcg.ai)
Podcasts and Interviews:
- bioCircular Loop Podcast: On November 21, 2024, CEO Jon Goriup appeared as a guest, discussing the company's initiatives and the future of the circular economy. (vcg.ai)
- Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast: On December 4, 2024, VCG.AI was featured in an episode titled "AI-Driven Circularity: Turning Industrial Byproducts into Revenue Streams," focusing on the company's innovative solutions. (vcg.ai)
- Circular Coffee Break Podcast: On March 6, 2025, Dominik Patzelt, Director of Business Development at VCG.AI, discussed AI's role in circular value chains with host Michael Hanf. (vcg.ai)
Conferences and Fair Participations:
- CyberOne Hightech Award 2024: On November 20, 2024, VCG.AI was selected as the winner in the Digital Tech category at the CyberOne Hightech Awards, presented by the Baden-Württemberg business initiative, Connected e.V., during the Heilbronn Slush’D event. (vcg.ai)
- CircularPSP Project: On August 18, 2024, VCG.AI announced its participation in the EU Horizon-funded CircularPSP project, aiming to develop advanced circular economy solutions for eight cities, with an investment of €5.64 million into R&D. (vcg.ai)
Event Involvement:
These activities underscore VCG.AI GmbH's active engagement in promoting and advancing the circular economy through media presence, industry events, and collaborative projects.